The X-ray jet in the merging galaxy system Markarian 266

Abstract

We present deep ROSAT X-ray images of the double nucleus galaxy Mrk 266 in combination with optical images and spectra. The High Resolution Imager (HRI) X-ray morphology can be divided into four components: two nuclei of the merging galaxies, a diffuse galactic component and a strong northern jet coincident with very strong optical line emission. This jet component is decoupled from the rest of the merging system considering the internal kinematics. The luminous X-ray jet is excited by hot postshock gas with respect to the morphology, the high excitation emission lines and the kinematics. Based on observations taken with ROSAT, at Calar Alto Observatory, with HST, and with the VLA